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The Importance of a name

Names have many meanings depending on different cultures, thus the reason why the matter is accorded much importance. An institution or a person’s success lies in its name, but this is only an assumption that not been proven yet. Others believe that a person’s name can contribute to their physical and mental health. A name can sometimes lead to a person’s downfall or make them be rejected by society. Naming can occur on the basis of a person’s ethnicity, place of birth, time of birth, among other vital factors. The author Lini Kadaba, in her essay ‘What’s in a name’ and Sandra Cisneros in her essay ‘My name’, have made an attempt in ensuring that a name’s importance is known.

This paper seeks to find out if a name is important to those who own it. Also, seeks to find out the different perceptions, which exist concerning their names.

Analysis on the importance of a name

Often, one could wander if some people would be famous if they did not have the names they have today. For example, people like Tupac Shakur and Oprah Winfery, have names that are not common. One could easily claim that their names are a vital aspect in influencing their fame. People’s personalities are sometimes a reflection of who they are. This is the reason why it easy to judge the character of someone, just by knowing their names. Names have the ability of changing the destiny or future of human beings. There is a significant weight of a psychological nature related to names, which people acquire, when they are young. The latter is true as researchers in the social sciences sector have valid proof to support this claim. People can dictate the outcome of their lives, due to the names that they posses.

According to Sandra Cineros in the essay ‘My name’, her name had many meanings in various ethnicities such as Spanish, English and Chinese. Her name was inherited from her grandmother, who was not a woman that can be considered as being happy. The name she is referring to is ‘Esparanza’ and according to her, it carries a lot of negative vibes, thus the reason for wanting to change it. Many people, who are not happy with their lives, often try and find ways to change it. They believe that their names may carry along bad luck, or even not be appropriate in various settings. It is unfortunate that some people have to live their lives and are not happy with the names that they have. One should not have the quality of life disrupted, just by a name. They have the power to ensure that they work hard and be known by their names. This will make a difference even if one has a common name such as John or Mary.

Insufficient vowels or consonants in a name may make an impact on some people and thus the urge and need to change it. For example, a certain woman in Australia decided to change her name after she got married. According to her, a single vowel existed in her surname of six letters and this caused her a lot of anguish. Luckily, she had her name changed and is now delighted that it has three consonants and vowels. Many other similar scenarios exist whereby; many people are changing their names to suit them. The author Lini Kadaba, in her essay ‘What’s in a name’ gives an example of a Greek man, who changed his name because he wanted to fit in the American society, as well as make it become shorter. Eventually, he settled for the name Anastasiou, from the original name known as Papanastasiou. His present name is difficult to pronounce and his attempt to change it may not be as successful as he thinks.

Ethnicity plays a vital role to some people, and thus would want this aspect to be recognized in their names. It is not uncommon to identify people, who only have ethnic names and one English name. In Africa, children only have ethnic and English names, for example Kevin Semaiyan. They will use the name everywhere and it will at no point in time want to change it. Kidaba gives an example of an African American, who resorted to having his name changed and an African name included to it. The change in name is because he is appreciative and wants to be associated with his African heritage. In fact, this trend has for a long time and up to now is popular with many people. Most African Americans are adapting Islamic or African names.

Self identity is another reason why people want to change their names. Sandra Cisneros wants the world to view her as she is, by acquiring a new name. The name Esparanza does not have any special significance to her. She will change her name when she is baptized, to a name that she likes. Christians have the opportunity of changing their names during baptism, which is often referred to, as a rite to a life that is new. Name choosing is a process, which should be conducted carefully, especially when parents want to name their new born. Research should be done and the meanings for suitable names found. Kidaba gives an example of a woman known as Komarow Jane, and she changed the former name to Komarow. The reason behind this change was to make it sound Russian, where she had migrated from. Her name refers to a mosquito in Russian language, and this is comical to some people. Names should reflect the nature of a person as well as other desirable characteristics, which they possess.

The latest craze of celebrities in Hollywood and in the music industry is affecting the process of naming. Many parents are naming their children after famous people, such as Rihanna, Beyonce, Marylyn Monroe, Sylvester Stallone, among other popular names. As a result of this craze, others change their names when they have an opportunity to do so. Other sources of important names are today obtained from world leaders, rich people and even philanthropists. Family history naming patterns often dictates the names that people have. For example, if a great grandfather of a certain family was known as Smith, most likely those in his linage, such as his grandchildren, will have the same name.

In conclusion, names are extremely important as they dictate the lives of many people. The authors Lini Kidaba and Sandra Cisneros have made it known why names have a lot of value. Parents should ensure that they give their children names, which have a positive impact on their lives. Those who are not satisfied with their names should have it changed keeping into mind their identity. In turn, people will be happy with their names and strive towards being known in a positive aspect.